Beer-drinking dog receives Kiwi hero medal

Guinness the dog stands out for more than one reason - not only is he an 80kg giant, he's now the first animal to ever be presented with a local hero medal as part of the New Zealander of the Year awards.

He was recognised last night for the voluntary clean up work he did alongside his owner after Christchurch's devastating earthquakes.

The dog was known through the silt-laden streets of the eastern suburbs as the gentle giant who brought smiles back to residents' faces.

He's an Irish wolfhound and he enjoys a strong stout, drinking pints of Guinness beer with ease.

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